PRATTVILLE, Alabama -- Kaid Winslow's mother had been gone for months. His dad is still overseas. But on Wednesday he got a heart-warming surprise, WSFA TV reports.

Master Sergeant Candis Winslow showed up unexpectedly at Prattville Primary School to greet Kaid, who screamed "Mommy!" as she entered the lunchroom.

Winslow's return was but one of the emotional homecomings in the Montgomery area Wednesday.

The Montgomery Advertiser reports that Staff Sgt. Brent Olson, who was injured in Afghanistan last month
while on patrol, returned to Max­well Air Force Base in Montgom­ery on
Wednesday.

With Olson was his military working dog, Blek, which lost its hearing when an
improvised explosive device detonated. Blek is getting to retire from the military and Olson has filed papers to adopt him, according to the Montgomery Advertiser report.

In other news across central and southern Alabama:

Disciplinary problems plunge at Montgomery public schools: The Montgomery Advertiser reports that, in part thanks to the Helping Montgomery Families Initiative, the number of students suspended for disciplinary problems in Montgomery public schools has dropped 21 percent over 2 years' time.

View full sizeCrystal Renee Quaite and Michael Paul Dean: Arrested late Tuesday on charges of making meth at a Summer Lane home in Prattville, Alabama.

Prattville police accuse pair of meth-making near children: Michael Paul Dean, 31, and Crystal Renee Quaite, 25, were arrested late Tuesday on charges of making meth at a Summer Lane home in Prattville. Officers found a 1-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy in the house, a police spokesman told the Montgomery Advertiser, which reported that it could not reach Dean or Quaite for comment.

Covington County has almost as many cows as residents: As members of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association recognize October as National Beef Month, they point out that Covington County is home to more than 32,000 head of cattle -- a number almost rivaling the county population of 37,631, the Andalusia Star-News reports.

Covington County district attorney candidates spar over constitutional amendment: Incumbent Covington County District Attorney Greg Gambril, a Democrat, and his Republican opponent, Walt Merrell , on Wednesday debated a proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2. Local Amendment No. 1 “would authorize the Legislature, by local or general act, to fix, regulate and alter the costs and charges of the court in Covington County.”

Opelika's Trail of Terror vanishes after 11 years: The Opelika Parks and Recreation Department has decided not to hold its Trail of Terror Haunted Hayride at Spring Villa Park this year, the Opelika-Auburn news reports. A main factor in its demise: Resources necessary for the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatic Center.